Reviewed by Tony Cummings

The labelling of music made by Christians has long been problematic though in recent times we have been forced to settle for music industry decrees which has affirmed that "Christian music" is music made predominantly by white people and "gospel music" is music largely made by African-Americans, Afro-Caribbeans and Africans. These designations have created their own problems, particularly what one is to call congregational music made by African-American artists. Now that large parts of the Caucasian Church have abandoned ancient hymnody as the primary vehicle with which to worship God in favour of modern worship songs, music executives have started using the phrase "gospel worship" to cover black artists whose material, in part at least, is intended for congregations to sing along to. It's ironic that this has happened because if one traces the history of black American gospel music one quickly concludes that a pretty high percentage of gospel music was and is used by black congregations in their worship. After that long preamble, let me state that 'Icon: Gospel Worship' is a pretty good example of the gospel worship "genre" with Tasha Cobbs' "Love You Forever", Tye Tribbett's "You Are Good", Darwin Hobbs' "I Give You Praise" and Brian Courtney Wilson's "All I Need" all particular standouts.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

Interested in reviewing music? Find out more here.